Due to the high volume of request for more clarification, I have written a short guide explaining the process of the Rolfing 10 series to give a better idea of what to expect when one goes through it in its entirety.

The First three sessions are known as sleeve sessions. The muscles known as sleeve muscles are generally the larger more superficial muscles used for gross bodily movement and interaction with the world. If they are tight, short, and constricted, they do not allow the core muscles to function properly, expressing themselves through creating expansion in the body rather than constriction, and keeping us upright in gravity with little effort. When this is the case, the sleeve muscles will often take on the work of the core muscles, something they are not designed for.

The next 4 sessions are core sessions, aiming at freeing and activating core muscle groups that provide structural support. The last 3 sessions are involved in integrating the parts to the whole and developing a functional relationship between all parts of the body in movement.

Session 1

Open and expand breath by differentiating the shoulders from the ribcage and bringing the chest into alignment over the pelvis. Also to allow for more mobility in the hips when walking and achieve horizontality of the pelvis. Much of this is targeting the surface fascia, or connective tissue, of the trunk.

Session 2

Establish a good base of support by organizing the feet, ankles, and lower legs to allow for proper weight distribution over them when walking. This will also affect the back as we connect a direct line of force from the legs to the spine.

Session 3

Work towards developing a better vertical alignment by lengthening the sides, also creating a depth and relationship between front and back. Also we begin engaging the front space of the spine, something that will be more emphasized in sessions 4 and 5.

Session 4

Expand the vertical inner line by working with the core. Balance the pelvis to allow this to happen. Free the legs from the pelvis to allow for smoother movement when walking. Develop support and resilience in the pelvic floor and fluidity in walking.

Session 5

Balance the relationship of the thorax to the pelvis. Connect the relationship between the legs and the middle of the back. Establish a more functional relationship between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. Work toward a tensional balance between deep and superficial abdominal muscles.

Session 6

Develop a connection between the lumbar spine and the sacrum. Work to balance the pelvis to support the spine all the way up to the head. Establish fluidity in walking both from achieving freedom of the legs, and gaining flexibility in the spine.

Session 7

This session focuses on integrating the parts to the whole. Organize the relationship between the head and neck as well as neck and thorax. Establish a sense of volume in the cranium, open nasal passages and free the intra oral aspects of the jaw. Facilitate movement throughout the entire spine.

Session 8

Sessions 8 and 9, like session 7 focus on integration. Here we want to relate the legs to the core. Organize balance between the shoulder and hip girdles. In session 8 we are concerned with gaining structural stability.

Session 9

Link the upper shoulder girdle and chest to the core. Further organize balance between the shoulder and hip girdles. Now, rather than structure, we focus on developing balanced movement.

Session 10

Focus on the balance of the horizontal joints: ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and jaw. Establish a vertical body axis that extends both up and down. Add any finishing touches that will assist in fluid and connected movement through the entire body.

And now your are done. Go out into the world and enjoy your newly organized body!